Page 19 of Seeing You

“Hey, Bill! Everything okay?”

“Everything’s fine,” she assured her. “Your mother just threw me out of the shop and told me to go and do something fun today.”

“Aww…good for Mom! So what are you going to do?”

“Actually, I was hoping that Silas was free today.”

“Silas? Really? On your day off you want to take your eleven-year-old nephew out?”

Laughing, she nodded. “Definitely. I thought we’d go up to Summit Ridge and maybe ride the coasters or whatever he might enjoy up there. I heard he’s been asking to go up, so I’d love to take him.”

“Oh my goodness! He’s going to be so excited! When do you want to pick him up?”

Looking down at herself, Billie knew she could go out dressed this casually, but thought she might like to freshen up first. “I’m going to run home and change, and then I’ll be over. Let’s say an hour. Will that work?”

“Are you kidding? It’s perfect! Right now, he’s helping Levi with some yard work so this will give him time to finish and shower. You’re the best, Billie! See you soon!”

Smiling, she made the short drive home. It didn’t take long to trade in her yoga pants and t-shirt for a pair of faded jeans, a cami, and her favorite hoodie. Slipping on a pair of non-work sneakers, she felt like she could handle all the walking and trekking around the ski resort. She wasn’t nearly as athletic as Silas though, and prayed she could keep up.

“Maybe a little makeup wouldn’t hurt,” she murmured after checking her reflection. She usually wore a minimal amount to work, but since this was an outing where she could run intopeople she knew or perhaps meet someone new, a little more effort was necessary.

Fifteen minutes later, she stuck her tongue out at herself. For all the effort, she still felt like…

“Plain old Billie.” Sighing, she fluffed her hair and then gave up on that too. Silas wasn’t going to care what she looked like, so why was she freaking out? Purse, keys, and phone in hand, she was out the door.

Jade and Levi lived on the edge of town, and by the time she got to their house, she was in a better frame of mind. Silas was standing out on the front porch waving wildly at her. As soon as she climbed out of the car, he was wrapped around her.

“You are the best, Aunt Bill! You are now officially my favorite aunt!”

She knew his mind would change on that one based on the situation, but for now, she’d take the title.

“C’mon. Let’s go tell your folks we’re going and then we’re out of here!”

He raced ahead of her into the house. “Mom! Dad! Aunt Bill’s here and we’re leaving! Can I have money for video games?”

Billie walked in behind him just as Levi came down the hall to greet her. “Not quite what I had in mind for you when I said to take some time for yourself, but…it’s pretty great. He’s been pacing on the porch for the last twenty minutes.”

Chuckling, she nodded. “I got here as fast as I could. Do you need him back at any specific time?”

“Nah. You two go and have fun. Call me if you need anything.”

“What are you and Jade gonna do today? Anything exciting?”

“Nap when Cal’s napping,” he said. “And by nap, I mean sex.” With a wink, he playfully nudged her.

“Ew, Levi. TMI. Gross.”

All he did was snicker before walking toward the kitchen where Jade and Silas were. “You ready to go, buddy? Aunt Billie’s waiting for you.”

“Heck yeah!” After hugging his mom and Levi, Silas ran over to where his baby brother was sitting in his highchair and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “When you’re older, Cal, I promise to take you to do these things. The mountain coaster is the best! Trust me, you’ll love it!”

Calvin replied in his own gibberish before waving, and Billie had to go over and snuggle with him for a minute. “You be good for Mommy and Daddy,” she cooed. “And I promise to take you out for a big day up at Summit Ridge when you’re old enough.” Kissing his head, she gave him one last squeeze before facing Silas. “Ready?”

“Yes!”

“See you guys later!”

Out in the car, she made sure Silas had his seatbelt on before driving away. “I brought you some cookies and cake pops. We can snack on them now or save them for later. What do you think?”

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